SHIMLA -1^st January, 2026

CM exchanges New Year greetings with Governor

Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, along with his wife and MLA Kamlesh Thakur, called on Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla and Lady Governor Janaki Shukla at Lok Bhavan today and exchanged New Year greetings.

On the occasion, the Chief Minister presented a bouquet to the Governor, while Kamlesh Thakur honoured the Lady Governor with a traditional Himachali shawl and cap. They wished for the peace, progress and prosperity for the people of the state.

Revenue and Tribal Development Minister Jagat Singh Negi, PWD Minister Vikramaditya Singh, Technical Education Minister Rajesh Dharmani, HPCC President Vinay Kumar and MLA Sanjay Awasthi also conveyed their New Year greetings to the Governor.

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CM outlines vision for a ‘Self-Reliant Himachal’ on New Year

A vibrant celebratory atmosphere filled at 'Oak Over', the official residence of Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu and the State Secretariat here today, as people from all walks of life gathered early in the morning to exchange New Year greetings.

From early morning, Cabinet Ministers, MLAs, senior officers, police officers, and employees visited to extend New Year greetings to the Chief Minister. Later, large numbers of local residents and party workers from different districts of the state also arrived to convey their best wishes for 2026.

Expressing his gratitude, Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu reaffirmed his commitment to building a Self-Reliant Himachal. He said the government would focus on green and sustainable energy to protect the natural beauty of the state. He also stressed the need to promote high-tech industries to create more job opportunities. He said that the government would carry out strong reforms in agriculture, healthcare, education and infrastructure to make public services more efficient and accessible, in line with the vision of ‘Vyavastha Parivartan’.

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Himachal gears up for Him MSME Fest 2026, a landmark push towards 'Atmanirbhar' Industrial growth

Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu stated here today that the Department of Industries is going to organize the Him MSME Fest 2026 from 3rd to 5th January 2026 in Shimla, which is envisioned as a powerful platform to realize the aspirations of thousands of small entrepreneurs, artisans and start-ups across the State.

Him MSME Fest 2026 would prove to be a milestone in connecting Himachal Pradesh’s MSME sector with markets, investments and modern technologies, while providing it national and international recognition. He said that the festival would significantly strengthen the vision of 'Atmanirbhar' Himachal by fostering innovation, enterprise and inclusive growth.

Highlighting the theme 'The Craft of the Hills on the Global Stage,' the Chief Minister said that the festival would link local and traditional products of Himachal Pradesh with global markets.

The Chief Minister further said that the festival would serve as a unique convergence point for emerging and established start-ups, where ideas, innovation and investment would come together. Entrepreneurs will be able to exhibit their products and services, engage directly with investors and buyers, and explore new opportunities for start up business expansion.

He said that Him MSME Fest 2026 was a priority initiative of the State Government aimed at promoting inclusive industrial development through investment facilitation, women entrepreneurship and enterprise promotion.

Industries Minister Harsh Vardhan Chauhan said that inaugural session would feature the Start-up Awards and felicitation ceremony, followed by a vibrant cultural evening showcasing the rich folk traditions of Himachal Pradesh.

He said that a special exhibition of handcrafted shawls will be organised on the first day of the festival, highlighting the traditional weaving and handicraft heritage of various districts of the State, offering visitors a comprehensive glimpse into the State’s economic and cultural diversity.

Emphasizing the future industrial roadmap of the State, the Industries Minister said that sectors such as green mobility, defence, pharmaceuticals, dairy, food processing, artificial intelligence, electronic chips and data centres are being accorded priority to accelerate industrialization. Strategic dialogues are being held with leading industry players in these emerging sectors to attract new investments to the State.

Special emphasis would be laid on women entrepreneurship and the One District One Product (ODOP) initiative. Through buyer-seller meets, knowledge-sharing sessions and networking interactions, women and rural entrepreneurs will gain access to new opportunities, thereby strengthening the rural economy.

During the event, direct interactions will be facilitated with leading platforms such as Walmart, Amazon, ONDC and GI-tagged marketplaces.

The festival is being organised in consultation with Ernst & Young, CII and the BRICS Chamber of Commerce and Industry.